Another few weeks closer

Sorry, no news to report about Semira. I'm hoping for a new photo of her soon. A great family that just traveled to pick up their baby girl took photos and the adoption agency is working to sort them and get them to the correct parents. Hopefully soon!

I asked if I would get any new information about her-- whether she's eating solid food or not, if she's sitting up-- all of those developmental milestones I hope she's making. But I was informed that no news is generally good news, and prospective parents generally don't get that type of information. So it'll be a surprise when I see her. I know the nannies are taking good care of her, but I'm really excited about getting her home with me.

The good news I did get recently is that they're starting to tell people the time span between passing court and an embassy [and travel] date is 4-6 weeks, instead of the 6-8 weeks I was told earlier. I think the court situation is getting worked out, and in fact heard this week about a few families with various agencies that actually got through their court dates up to 2 weeks early! Too much to hope for right now, but the really good part is that some of those people passed court on the first try. Fantastic!

I had a great time last weekend. There was a great sale called Divine Consign in the Fort Worth area. I was able to get a First Time Moms pass and shop before the general public. I got Semira 18 little outfits, a swimsuit, some books and toys, a play yard, and even a little backpack that looks like a cheetah mom and cub. I had fun shopping for her and spending time with my friends Tim and Lisa who initially alerted me to the sale. For any of you in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I highly recommend Divine Consign! I guess they do this sale twice a year in both Grapevine and Plano. This weekend is the Plano sale.

I told one of my students about Semira early this month, and I understand that about half an hour later all of my female students knew and had started planning a baby shower for me. We're waiting until late March, after we hopefully pass court. I thought that was so kind of them. I've been overwhelmed by the support of my friends, family, colleagues, and students. It's very humbling but so appreciated. I don't know how to tell them how much that means to me. I hope I figure that out.

Favorite baby gear?

No real news since getting Semira's court date. I did get some beautiful new photos of her a couple of weeks ago. Another family working with my adoption agency went to pick up their new son and took photos of my little Semira for me. She looks happy and healthy, and her hair is growing. I found a little curl in her photos!

This wait is difficult, but it appears that she's being well taken care of so I'm doing my best to be patient. It's tough knowing that the earliest I could actually have her home with me is May. But we'll make it.

In the meantime, I've got a gazillion freshmen to teach (maybe not a gazillion, but it feels like it sometimes), a grant to apply for, a book to write, and a house to baby-proof. I have a feeling Miss Semira will be fairly mobile by the time she gets home. If not then, I bet she will be within a very busy month or two. Keeping busy keeps the wait a bit more tolerable.

So while I'm waiting I'd like to start asking for advice on any baby gear you parents have discovered that makes your life easier, that your child enjoys, or is a good idea on general principle. Post a comment or send me an email. geobethy@yahoo.com